Sights in Pulau Langkawi
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Kota Mahsuri
Back around 1819 (the date is debated), the Malay princess Mahsuri was unjustly accused of adultery and executed by stabbing. With her dying breath she cursed Langkawi with seven generations of bad luck and expired, supposedly bleeding white blood, a sign of her innocence. Not long after, the Siamese invaded the island, and some 160 years later, in 1987 (that’s about seven generations) Langkawi took off as a tourism destination. That’s the story anyways, and its been commemorated by Kota Mahsuri, a historical complex that includes Mahsuri’s Shrine (a fenced-in slab of white stone) as well as a re-creation of a traditional house, a theatre, a ‘diorama museum’ and some …
reviewed
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Air Hangat Village
This village is towards the north of the island, not far from the turn-off to Tanjung Rhu, and is known for its hot springs. Apart from watching the water gush along artificial channels and buying souvenirs, there’s not much to do, although ‘cultural shows’ take place occasionally – contact the tourist office to see if anything is lined up. As with so many places on Langkawi, the springs are associated with an intriguing legend.
reviewed
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Laman Padi
At the northern end opposite Casa del Mar hotel is Laman Padi, an ‘ecotourism’ complex with picturesque rice paddies populated by water buffaloes and ducks. There’s also a museum dedicated to rice cultivation, some restaurants, a post office and Nawa Sari Spa, where you can contently watch rice paddies sway under the breeze while you’re pummelled and oiled by Thai masseurs (massages RM45 to RM100).
reviewed
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Galeria Perdana
If you’ve been wondering what to get former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad for his birthday, you could see what everyone else bought at Galeria Perdana. Established by Mahathir himself, the museum displays the sort of weird gifts that get passed between foreign nations and heads of state (F-1 racers, Ming vases painted with Mahathir’s face – that sort of thing).
reviewed
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Underwater World
At the southern end of Pantai Cenang is the Underwater World, Malaysia’s largest aquarium, featuring 200 different species of marine and freshwater creatures. Some exhibits (especially the rainforest walk) are well executed; some feel like a tropical aquarium in need of a cleaning, but in general it’s a great place for the kids.
reviewed
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Lagenda Langkawi Dalam Taman
Next to the jetty, the Lagenda Langkawi Dalam Taman is a landscaped ‘folklore theme park’ that stretches along the waterfront. Bright statues dotted amid the lakes illustrate several Langkawi legends – with signboards in English – and there’s a narrow, mediocre strip of beach. It’s a popular spot for joggers.
reviewed
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Langkawi Crocodile Farm
On the way to Teluk Datai is Langkawi Crocodile Farm. If you’re not a kid or sympathetic to reptiles you may enjoy the twice-daily ‘stunt’ shows and hourly feedings, but the small, dirty pools and the fact that many of the farm’s residents are turned into meat is a turn-off for many.
reviewed
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Kompleks Kraf Langkawi
The Kompleks Kraf Langkawi is an enormous handicrafts centre where you can watch demonstrations of traditional crafts and buy any traditional Malaysian product or craft you can imagine. There are also a couple of on-site exhibitions devoted to local legends and wedding ceremonies.
reviewed
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Langkawi Bird Paradise
The Langkawi Bird Paradise touts itself as Asia’s first fully covered wildlife park. There are plenty of animals around (with an emphasis on exotic birds), but we can’t say all of them look well cared for.
reviewed
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Ibrahim Hussein Foundation Museum
The Ibrahim Hussein Foundation Museum displays the abstract and multimedia works of its founder and namesake. It’s good art, especially if you need a break from traditional batik-work and the like.
reviewed
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